Southern University says B-CU's Jenkins semifinalist for coaching job

Brian Jenkins has compiled a 27-8 record (21-3 in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference) in three seasons at Bethune-Cookman. His teams have won two conference titles.

News-Journal / Nigel Cook

BRENT WORONOFFSTAFF WRITER

Published: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 1:04 p.m.

Last Modified: Monday, December 3, 2012 at 1:04 p.m.

On a day when Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins won a regional coach of the year award, Southern University said he is one of six semifinalists to be the next head coach at the Baton Rouge, La., school.

But B-CU athletic director Lynn Thompson said Monday night that Southern has yet to contact the Wildcats to ask permission to interview the third-year coach.

"(Jenkins) got a call last week from Southern, and he instructed them that they had to contact me,'' Thompson said. "And I haven't heard from Southern.''

Jenkins, 41, was named the Football Championship Subdivision Co-Region Two Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association, the AFCA announced Monday. He shared the award with Stony Brook's Chuck Piore.

Jenkins could not be reached for comment Monday night.

According to the release on Southern's website, athletic director William Broussard plans to hold 30-minute phone interviews with each of the six candidates this week in order to pare down the list. The report said the school plans to introduce its new coach Dec. 14.

Included among the other candidates are Southern interim coach Dawson Odums, Alabama State special teams coordinator John Hendrick and Nevada offensive line coach James Spady.

Jenkins led B-CU to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship and the Wildcats' first undefeated conference mark since 1984.

Last month, Jenkins was named MEAC Coach of the Year and is one of 20 finalists for the FCS Eddie Robinson Award as the national coach of the year.

Jenkins has compiled a 27-8 record (21-3 in the conference) in three seasons at B-CU. His teams have won two MEAC titles, advancing to the playoffs both times. The Wildcats finished 9-3 this season, 8-0 in the MEAC. They lost a first-round playoff game to Coastal Carolina on Nov. 24.

<p>On a day when Bethune-Cookman football coach Brian Jenkins won a regional coach of the year award, Southern University said he is one of six semifinalists to be the next head coach at the Baton Rouge, La., school.<ep></p><p>But B-CU athletic director Lynn Thompson said Monday night that Southern has yet to contact the Wildcats to ask permission to interview the third-year coach.<ep> </p><p>"(Jenkins) got a call last week from Southern, and he instructed them that they had to contact me,'' Thompson said. "And I haven't heard from Southern.''<ep></p><p>Jenkins, 41, was named the Football Championship Subdivision Co-Region Two Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association, the AFCA announced Monday. He shared the award with Stony Brook's Chuck Piore. <ep></p><p>Jenkins could not be reached for comment Monday night.<ep></p><p>According to the release on Southern's website, athletic director William Broussard plans to hold 30-minute phone interviews with each of the six candidates this week in order to pare down the list. The report said the school plans to introduce its new coach Dec. 14.<ep></p><p>Included among the other candidates are Southern interim coach Dawson Odums, Alabama State special teams coordinator John Hendrick and Nevada offensive line coach James Spady.<ep> </p><p>Jenkins led B-CU to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship and the Wildcats' first undefeated conference mark since 1984.<ep></p><p>Last month, Jenkins was named MEAC Coach of the Year and is one of 20 finalists for the FCS Eddie Robinson Award as the national coach of the year.<ep></p><p>Jenkins has compiled a 27-8 record (21-3 in the conference) in three seasons at B-CU. His teams have won two MEAC titles, advancing to the playoffs both times. The Wildcats finished 9-3 this season, 8-0 in the MEAC. They lost a first-round playoff game to Coastal Carolina on Nov. 24.<ep></p>